CDA’s tree cutting restricted to paper mulberry, climate ministry tells IHC

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Climate Change has submitted a written reply to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) regarding the cutting of trees in the federal capital, declaring the removal of paper mulberry trees justified on environmental grounds.

In its response, the ministry stated that paper mulberry was classified as a non-native species and that, upon review, it was found that the tree-cutting operation was limited strictly to paper mulberry trees. The ministry said that other species — including kachnar, sanbal, pine and sukh chain — were marked and preserved.

The ministry said that prior approval is mandatory for tree cutting, adding that the recent operation was carried out without consultation.

It stated that the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board conducted a field inspection of Shakarparian and emphasised that the Capital Development Authority (CDA) is bound to obtain approval from the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency (Pak-EPA) before cutting trees.

It further noted that consultation with the Wildlife Management Board is also necessary for such actions. Upon learning about the tree cutting, the ministry wrote to the interior secretary, expressing concerns and reservations over the matter.

The report said that the Environmental Protection Agency also wrote to the CDA member environment, stressing the need for joint planning and consultation before proceeding with such operations.

Earlier, the CDA submitted a six-page reply in the Islamabad High Court defending the cutting of paper mulberry trees, stating that the action was taken with approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The CDA said the Islamabad High Court in 2022 had directed the formation of a committee on environmental matters, which included the Environmental Protection Agency and other relevant institutions.

A meeting of the committee was held in 2023 to address the issue of pollen allergies.

According to the CDA, research exists linking paper mulberry trees to the spread of pollen allergies.

It also cited a 2024 newspaper article by journalist Saleem Safi on the issue.

Following public concern, the Prime Minister’s Office took notice and directed the CDA to take necessary action.

The authority stated that, after considering court decisions, research findings and committee deliberations, approval was granted by the Prime Minister’s Office to remove paper mulberry trees and replace them with environmentally friendly species.

It said that tree-cutting matters are handled through transparent tendering procedures.

The CDA also pointed out that paper mulberry trees along Islamabad Highway were removed in 2022.

The CDA has requested the court to dismiss the petition seeking to halt the tree-cutting operation.